I bought the X3 during COVID when I was living in a tiny apartment and it was great for staying in shape. Now I hardly use it but I have it for when I travel.
I respect the fact that despite you said in another video that you are an X3 affiliate you have enough integrity and curiosity to test and even recommend this. I can respect that! And if it is for someone less muscular than yourself then I guess this might last for years.
I already had the bands, so I made one with a 1 inch thick wooden dowel, good quality eye screws and carabiners - works fine. Total cost - less than $20.
Just be a little careful. Might be worth some research on how much tension a dowel of that diameter and wood type can handle. Obviously it is fine up to a point, but is it ok with 400lbs on it at the top of a deadlift or front squat? 500lbs? I’m getting into this in my 40s and already over 300lbs at the top of a deadlift, including holding that tension for a long time with calf raises (with straps lol). It is a lot easier to get up to higher forces with bands than regular weights because of the force curve. You don’t have to be silly like me and buy the X3 Force (which I don’t regret but definitely isn’t necessary), but at the same time I wouldn’t want to go in the other direction and save a few hundred dollars but get seriously injured if the dowel randomly snapped at some point.
$11 2x12 at homendepot, some screws and a circular saw.. helps to have a sander or use some sandpaper by hand. Made my own foot plate and it's amazing.
Just be careful! I have no idea what the actual strength of a cutting board of that thickness is. It could be fine for a while but suddenly snap when you get to higher forces at the top of a deadlift as you progress. I’m not crazy strong or tall (5’8”) and the paraforce black and white band stacked are already over 300lbs of force at the top of a deadlift (according to the X3 Force reading in the app). You can handle way more force in the strong position with bands than lbs you could pick up off the ground with normal weights, so don’t want to be too casual with it. Not saying you need the X3 or Harambe plate, but I’d want to get sign-off from an actual engineer on what they think is safe.
I feel using thick bands with a door anchor provides a deeper stretch and better range of motion for chest exercises. The bar across the chest is similar to a barbell and limits the range of motion and the stretch at the bottom of the movement. A thick rattan stick or wooden dowel is fine for other movements but again using gloves and a door anchor provides better range of motion and stretch for working pulling movements, hinging and lunges
One other advantage to that Prebene is the 3rd connecting piece. I hate shoulder presses with the shorter bars. This one allows you to extend, so the feeling is closer to a barbell length shoulder press. I'm 60, and don't use really heavy bands, so I actually think I could get several years out of this bar. Undersun bands fit perfectly in those hooks as well. Thanks much for everything Mike. We really appreciate you!
Interesting way to configure the bands for the triceps press there at the beginning of your video. I'm going to give that a try. I currently do the triceps press with the skull crusher movement. I've had the X3 Bar for over 5 years and absolutely love it. Using it and eating carnivore, at 70-years-old, I'm in the best shape and health of my later adult life. I don't know why anyone who wants to work out at home wouldn't love its simplicity and effectiveness. I did end up purchasing a 41" orange band and a 41" purple band from Serious Steel because I couldn't make the jump from the light gray X3 band to the dark gray one at first. I combined those with the light gray band and that worked perfectly for me. I also read where bands were fraying from the footplate, so I purchased a band barrier from Serious Steel, opened it up flat, and attached it to the bottom of the footplate. After over 5 years, my bands are still in perfect shape. Thanks for the video.
I have been using this exact bar for almost a year now with Sun Pow bands and a DIY foot plate made from plywood and 2X4s. I have had zero issues. It's great to see your review and recommendation for this bar. I may go with the X3 at some point but this setup is working very well for now.
Thanks for sharing that. For the all the new "innovations" I'm seeing in this area, I'm don't know if they're really necessary when I hear stories like yours.
I've got that bar. I don't use the longer middle segment. It works fine, though I don't know how well it would hold up to the heavier bands- I'm only working with the lighter bands at the moment.
You will never be able to go heavy enough of squats / dead’s without the x3 bar and footplate. The bands that have enough tension will snap your feet. X3 was the original and best. I wish they paid me to say that but they don’t.
Just worked out pulling muscles with this knock off bar and alternated sets with the official x3 bar. It was an amazing workout because deadlifts felt better and more natural with the wider grip. I was able to hit both parts of the biceps with curls. Also shrugs and calf raises felt good as well. Upright rows not so good. It was alot of fun alternating between wide and narrow grip between the two bars. My body felt honestly like it got a better workout. Gonna do this tomorrow with push and see how it goes as well. Any X3 user should just buy it for the fact that its hundreds of dollars cheaper than the X3 long bar they sell! Also almost forgot wide grip bent over rows felt absolutely amazing with this bar as well. I alternated them with reverse grip bent over rows with the X3 bar and got a savage pump!
jbryant bar looks good for lighter work like bis/tris.but for chest,back,legs,shoulders the x3 bar is sturdier.i made a foot plate but i use my feet on the band more.good idea on the weight shoes.if i were able to have 3 things to workout with itll definitely be a total gym, bands,dumbells😂 thanks for the video mike
Thanks. J Bryant works well enough but the X3 is definitely designed for greater resistance. Will see how long it lasts...can't complain about the price but quality control is another issue!
Regarding that platform question: I used a plastic pallet 😂 It's actually great, 1x1.2 mts (that's about 3 ft 4 in x 4 ft) and 600 kgs (roughly 1.200 lbs) of max weight capacity. I can attach my bands to multiple points and get a more comfortable workout by just using a heavy duty carabiner and an ancle strap. And it was only about 50 USD. For a bar I used a weightlifting one, the same as you'll find in the gym and with 2 straps, don't really trust those bars that can be detached in pieces.
Hi Mike, I spoke with you a while ago about the X3 and Harambe systems in trying to decide which to go for. I'm going to go with Harambe, but I've taken your advice and just ordered the Prebene shorter bar and bands to see if I like resistance band training before making an investment in the Harambe product. I'll use your exercise guide linked above. Hopefully I'll enjoy and take to it quickly being fairly inexperienced despite having had a gym membership for a year. If you have any other tips, please let me know. Thanks
Thanks Jack. One thing probably since we last spoke (since I recommended the prebene bar) I'd check out my review on the Geku Bar or Collar Hooks as another potential option to get your feet wet.
Living in Oz, the shipping for the X3 carry case is prohibitive. What travel carry case do you recommend to fit base plate, standard bar and 4-5 bands? You showed your case briefly but can't find details. Thanks, your review helped me go with the X3 setup, just bummed I didn't know how much I needed the travel bag til I had it.
@@justinarevalo6746 Yeah, it’s an awesome way to workout for sure. It really works the muscles better than traditional weights. I recommend taking it slow at first because unlike weights there’s a learning curve to how much tension you can handle.
Cool man.. Yeah I might try the cheaper version for travel use purposes.. Thanks for the link!! I couldnt tell from the Amazon description does the bar come with the resistance bands or just the bar itself??
They originally sold just the bar for $25 but now they just bundle it with some bands for $39. Probably because the bands are cheap they are charging more. But maybe they will re-list with just the bar. Thanks for watching.
I have read that seven pounds of torque can break an ankle. So. Only use the bar and bands with something that eliminates the ankle danger. A ground plate you stand on which allows the band(s) to NOT touch the floor when under tension. Otherwise, how much training gets in when you injure your ankles?
Yes, I think Dr. J often cites this. Of course, a foot plate is ideal but I definitely know plenty of people who are not using one. For sure a risk reward situation.
As a commenter above mentioned, a thick (1”) plastic cutting board with rubber feet to create space for the resistance bands (4 hockey pucks screwed in at the corners) will suffice. All available on Amazon. There are videos on TH-cam showing the assembly process. Cheers.
@@gwarlowAre we sure that is enough though? It might be, but has an engineer actually calculated it out? I just worry if it snapped during the top of a deadlift (which could easily be 300-600lbs since you can handle more than you can with regular weights due to the force curve), that’d be a disaster.
Thanks for such extensive reviews of all of the equipment price points. I recently bought one of the Rubberbanditz mobile gym setups for travel. First impressions are that I do enjoy the primitive band workout. The big advantage IMO of the X3 footplate and bar are that they give fixed attachment widths for repeatable tension, which I cannot do. I’ll be traveling for almost a month soon, and that will be my first really extended test of the setup, it’s one thing to experiment while you have other options, it’s another to go all in for a month.
I started out trying cheap knock offs, and even DIY bars foot plates. The cheaper versions worked but the quality difference is so drastic, it's really not worth it. X3 is a great system, but Harambe is the next level in my opinion.
I feel like some of these products were designed completely disregarding how they might increase the chance of breaking the bands. The J Bryant bar's hook looks especially horrible with its sharp edges. Even imagining a heavy band breaking is scary. They look like they could do real damage & cause serious injuries. Training with bands is very appealing (and I do cautiously use them myself), but I do have some significant safety concerns regarding them. I would be curious about the experience of others!
One thing that X3 may have gotten right is them focusing on going to failure and then pushing through partials on the smaller ROM until you can’t move the bar anymore. Recent research seems to say that having tension in the stretched muscle position is important for hypertrophy. So if you just use bands the same as weights, you’ll be putting more force in the shortened position than the stretched. But doing those extra partials probably helps even it out a bit for all the ranges of motion. My guess is it still isn’t quite as efficient in terms of overall work vs fatigue ratio, but for me it is super convenient and fast to use. If I had to go to a gym, there’s no way I’d get in as much exercise, and don’t have the room for a power rack etc in this condo. It also seems to be pretty easy on the joints and is also pretty safe if done correctly. If you get stuck at the bottom of squat, you just stop since the weight is gone at the bottom, etc. I’ve been growing with it, so certainly is possible.
A trip to a home improvement store and minimal handyman skills could easily make something very comparable to the X3. Im completely shocked anyone would pay that much for a steel bar with a couple hooks. If you don't have the tools or skills call a local metal fabrication facility, they could put something similar together with a couple pics and a simple drawing for a fraction of the cost. First time i've seen this and will have one put together before tomorrow's workout. Furthermore I question how a company received a patent on something so basic. I've seen closet systems with similar features..
I've made a few videos to this point, it's really a luxury. Here's video where I get into how a pipe works fine th-cam.com/video/C0_NIbFLmeE/w-d-xo.html
Lol these knockoffs are a hazard, doesn't that a genius to see a threaded bar would snap right in your face when the tension is the closest to your face. The foot plate is the important part to prevent ankle injury if anyone had watched the tedtalk of the x3 bar system creator.
I have to agree. The bands are already a danger. You have to watch what you doing with almost every movement. Having the equipment Ie. The bar or floor plate snap is complete no go. Using bands already is an inexpensive way to get a proper workout. Get good solid accessories.
You can definetly get benefits using just bands as is, the core argument is that (and there's research behind this) that you exert more force and use motor units using both arms on a fixed bar. But even with general preference, it's a much more enjoyable experience using a bar.
@@hybridresistance thank you so much for the response and the information! I didn't realize that about the fixed bar. I have the J Bryant bar and the Mini wooden board I ordered from you and I genuinely love both but was always curious about the difference, pros/cons, etc. I keep eyeballing the X3 Bar because of your discount code but that's still a lot of money. Anyways, thank you again!
@@Maxible No, definitely thank you for helping to support me and the channel. Let me know if you have any questions and or video ideas regarding the product.
Love your reviews. We need a jbryant bar in deep review. Short and long versión. Wanna know how much tensión it can take. I'm still deciding which chep bar to buy before invest big money on x3 bar... maybe. I got a 350 lbs band but now i need bar that can handle it.
I do think personally of all the cheap bars that are out there the J bar is the way to go. With that said I wouldn’t expect long term durability, especially considering some of the reviews coming in that are showing what Manny expected would happen where the fabric starts to fade. I personally have had no problems with it, and my nephew still uses it, but people have reported as he saw here in the comments that he can rip through thicker bands. I do think if you’re someone committed to using this sort of style it’s worth investing in a more expensive bar.
Some people just don't prefer tube bands. I like and have reviewed bodylastics, but I've had many BL owners tell me they've switched to loop because it's easier to switch out and go heavier, not having to deal with clipping in tubes.
Not necessarily THAT crazy. If you want really good quality bands that aren’t going to snap on you plus good quality bar, good quality plate, etc. Like I’m sure X3 has decent margins, but it isn’t like it costs $50 to make. The amount of force involved can be pretty enormous so don’t want to play around too too much. Plus if comparing to regular training, if you’re getting an Olympic bar, bumper plates, power rack, that’s easily thousands of dollars and takes up a lot more room
@@hybridresistance it is surprising hard to recreate the X3 system for cheaper, I guess it adds up once you put together the individual components with similar quality
X3 is just an over priced metal bar let's be honest here i sent mine back after i compared it to one i also got for 29.99 . Both get the job done the same way . I'd personally tell everyone not to buy the x3 and just go with the cheap bars. Unless your rich and just like wasting money ofcourse 😂😂
Purchased original X3 two and half years ago ... best thing I did for my body, besides going carnivore 4-7 years ago. Forget about cheap things, not even remotely comparable, have them 2 friends. Trash compared to heavy duty X3.
ffs its a metal bar,you could make one in 5 minutes,makes me laugh you need x5294 speical bar or the super dooper matcho x29007 bar,its a metal pole for idiots who want to spend a bundle of cash
I actually had a video planned showing my basic $15 pipe from HD. You for sure don't need it to take advantage using something like this. But more for the practical functionality (knurling, hooks, possibly aesthetics). Same thing for a DIY barbell / rack vs spending >2k
@@hybridresistanceHow well does that work for something like deadlift though? Doesn’t the lack of bearing mean the band is going to rub or even get caught on the bar as you rotate through the range of motion?
I hope someday Dr.Jaquish will sue this copycat fitness equipment company and even its from Amazon that the are selling Chinese based copycat fitness equipment too that this channel promoting it. The jealousy of these people are crazy! 😂
I think it’s wonderful that somebody can spend 20% of the price of the X3 bar and get exactly the same tools that will give you zero results so that You waste a fraction of the money that you could have flushed down the toilet so that you can totally void however, much time in days months years that you lose and can never get back while wearing yourself out every day, making zero progress.
Why the hell would it have to be a solid piece all the way across when there’s barely any tension in the center because you can only use it by holding it with two hands near the hooks… 500 pounds of force on the ends would put barely 100 poundsof force in the center. What are you planning on lifting with this tractor trailer? It doesn’t need to be any stronger to do anything that you or most anybody else is capable of lifting dude.
I bought the X3 during COVID when I was living in a tiny apartment and it was great for staying in shape. Now I hardly use it but I have it for when I travel.
What did you end up doing instead?
I respect the fact that despite you said in another video that you are an X3 affiliate you have enough integrity and curiosity to test and even recommend this. I can respect that! And if it is for someone less muscular than yourself then I guess this might last for years.
I already had the bands, so I made one with a 1 inch thick wooden dowel, good quality eye screws and carabiners - works fine. Total cost - less than $20.
exactly but you have a brain,most people dont
Just be a little careful. Might be worth some research on how much tension a dowel of that diameter and wood type can handle. Obviously it is fine up to a point, but is it ok with 400lbs on it at the top of a deadlift or front squat? 500lbs? I’m getting into this in my 40s and already over 300lbs at the top of a deadlift, including holding that tension for a long time with calf raises (with straps lol). It is a lot easier to get up to higher forces with bands than regular weights because of the force curve.
You don’t have to be silly like me and buy the X3 Force (which I don’t regret but definitely isn’t necessary), but at the same time I wouldn’t want to go in the other direction and save a few hundred dollars but get seriously injured if the dowel randomly snapped at some point.
Made my own footplate out of a 1 inch thick cutting board and some rubber feet I bought at Home Depot.
Oh perfect thank you for this!!
$11 2x12 at homendepot, some screws and a circular saw.. helps to have a sander or use some sandpaper by hand. Made my own foot plate and it's amazing.
Just be careful! I have no idea what the actual strength of a cutting board of that thickness is. It could be fine for a while but suddenly snap when you get to higher forces at the top of a deadlift as you progress. I’m not crazy strong or tall (5’8”) and the paraforce black and white band stacked are already over 300lbs of force at the top of a deadlift (according to the X3 Force reading in the app). You can handle way more force in the strong position with bands than lbs you could pick up off the ground with normal weights, so don’t want to be too casual with it.
Not saying you need the X3 or Harambe plate, but I’d want to get sign-off from an actual engineer on what they think is safe.
I feel using thick bands with a door anchor provides a deeper stretch and better range of motion for chest exercises. The bar across the chest is similar to a barbell and limits the range of motion and the stretch at the bottom of the movement. A thick rattan stick or wooden dowel is fine for other movements but again using gloves and a door anchor provides better range of motion and stretch for working pulling movements, hinging and lunges
One other advantage to that Prebene is the 3rd connecting piece. I hate shoulder presses with the shorter bars. This one allows you to extend, so the feeling is closer to a barbell length shoulder press. I'm 60, and don't use really heavy bands, so I actually think I could get several years out of this bar. Undersun bands fit perfectly in those hooks as well. Thanks much for everything Mike. We really appreciate you!
Thanks as always brother. Happy you found the video helpful.
if you skinny or very out a shape spend 50 dollars on a cheap on and if you use for 3 to 6 mouth then you can deside if you want spend 500
Interesting way to configure the bands for the triceps press there at the beginning of your video. I'm going to give that a try. I currently do the triceps press with the skull crusher movement. I've had the X3 Bar for over 5 years and absolutely love it. Using it and eating carnivore, at 70-years-old, I'm in the best shape and health of my later adult life. I don't know why anyone who wants to work out at home wouldn't love its simplicity and effectiveness. I did end up purchasing a 41" orange band and a 41" purple band from Serious Steel because I couldn't make the jump from the light gray X3 band to the dark gray one at first. I combined those with the light gray band and that worked perfectly for me. I also read where bands were fraying from the footplate, so I purchased a band barrier from Serious Steel, opened it up flat, and attached it to the bottom of the footplate. After over 5 years, my bands are still in perfect shape. Thanks for the video.
I just bought the X3 based on your reviews and love it.
Great to hear brother.
I have been using this exact bar for almost a year now with Sun Pow bands and a DIY foot plate made from plywood and 2X4s. I have had zero issues. It's great to see your review and recommendation for this bar. I may go with the X3 at some point but this setup is working very well for now.
Thanks for sharing that. For the all the new "innovations" I'm seeing in this area, I'm don't know if they're really necessary when I hear stories like yours.
I've got that bar. I don't use the longer middle segment. It works fine, though I don't know how well it would hold up to the heavier bands- I'm only working with the lighter bands at the moment.
I think mine is the just the double portioned bar.
I've never used a bar or plates. I use shoes and bike gloves. That's it. No complaints.
You will never be able to go heavy enough of squats / dead’s without the x3 bar and footplate. The bands that have enough tension will snap your feet. X3 was the original and best. I wish they paid me to say that but they don’t.
Definitely true about going heavy with a cheap band. I’m also an obvious fan of the X3
Just worked out pulling muscles with this knock off bar and alternated sets with the official x3 bar. It was an amazing workout because deadlifts felt better and more natural with the wider grip. I was able to hit both parts of the biceps with curls. Also shrugs and calf raises felt good as well. Upright rows not so good. It was alot of fun alternating between wide and narrow grip between the two bars. My body felt honestly like it got a better workout. Gonna do this tomorrow with push and see how it goes as well. Any X3 user should just buy it for the fact that its hundreds of dollars cheaper than the X3 long bar they sell! Also almost forgot wide grip bent over rows felt absolutely amazing with this bar as well. I alternated them with reverse grip bent over rows with the X3 bar and got a savage pump!
Great to year brother. I wouldn't put too much confidence in the longevity of these bars, but I like how you're using them.
jbryant bar looks good for lighter work like bis/tris.but for chest,back,legs,shoulders the x3 bar is sturdier.i made a foot plate but i use my feet on the band more.good idea on the weight shoes.if i were able to have 3 things to workout with itll definitely be a total gym, bands,dumbells😂 thanks for the video mike
A lot of true statements right there. Elad always dropping the wisdom.
Thanks. J Bryant works well enough but the X3 is definitely designed for greater resistance. Will see how long it lasts...can't complain about the price but quality control is another issue!
Mine was just delivered I love it already thanks man
Great to hear!
I smell a DIY project here...
Regarding that platform question: I used a plastic pallet 😂
It's actually great, 1x1.2 mts (that's about 3 ft 4 in x 4 ft) and 600 kgs (roughly 1.200 lbs) of max weight capacity.
I can attach my bands to multiple points and get a more comfortable workout by just using a heavy duty carabiner and an ancle strap. And it was only about 50 USD.
For a bar I used a weightlifting one, the same as you'll find in the gym and with 2 straps, don't really trust those bars that can be detached in pieces.
Hi Mike, I spoke with you a while ago about the X3 and Harambe systems in trying to decide which to go for. I'm going to go with Harambe, but I've taken your advice and just ordered the Prebene shorter bar and bands to see if I like resistance band training before making an investment in the Harambe product. I'll use your exercise guide linked above. Hopefully I'll enjoy and take to it quickly being fairly inexperienced despite having had a gym membership for a year. If you have any other tips, please let me know. Thanks
Thanks Jack. One thing probably since we last spoke (since I recommended the prebene bar) I'd check out my review on the Geku Bar or Collar Hooks as another potential option to get your feet wet.
@@hybridresistance Thanks for replying so quickly Mike. Okay, I'll take a look at your review of that tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion
Living in Oz, the shipping for the X3 carry case is prohibitive. What travel carry case do you recommend to fit base plate, standard bar and 4-5 bands? You showed your case briefly but can't find details. Thanks, your review helped me go with the X3 setup, just bummed I didn't know how much I needed the travel bag til I had it.
Here you go amzn.to/4aeWjhI
I built an x3 knock off for $125, it works great!
Make sure you have some med kit and ice after your workout.
@@justinarevalo6746 Yeah, it’s an awesome way to workout for sure. It really works the muscles better than traditional weights. I recommend taking it slow at first because unlike weights there’s a learning curve to how much tension you can handle.
thanks for the tips.
I just ordered this last week it will be here Thursday
Verdict?
FYI, The j Bryant bar is limited to the band size it can take. I have a 220 pound band I was trying to use with it, and the hook poked a hole in it.
Good to know thanks. I know I used some heavy bands on my J bar but I didn’t do it that consistently to test it out fully
excellent presentation...using honesty, Peace
Thank you my friend.
Cool man.. Yeah I might try the cheaper version for travel use purposes.. Thanks for the link!! I couldnt tell from the Amazon description does the bar come with the resistance bands or just the bar itself??
They originally sold just the bar for $25 but now they just bundle it with some bands for $39. Probably because the bands are cheap they are charging more. But maybe they will re-list with just the bar. Thanks for watching.
@@hybridresistancem. m l k, my but
wis we
Would the Prebene bar be suitable enough to use with the Sunpow resistance bands?
Yes, definitely would be fine.
got any recommendations for a split leg squat belt for the X3 thats cheaper than what they offer?
studio.th-cam.com/users/video7hP4uX3KdT8/edit here you go. Also got a promo code with them "MIKE20" that will save you 20% a well
@@hybridresistance Really cool! Just what I was looking for and thank you.
I have read that seven pounds of torque can break an ankle. So. Only use the bar and bands with something that eliminates the ankle danger. A ground plate you stand on which allows the band(s) to NOT touch the floor when under tension. Otherwise, how much training gets in when you injure your ankles?
Yes, I think Dr. J often cites this. Of course, a foot plate is ideal but I definitely know plenty of people who are not using one. For sure a risk reward situation.
As a commenter above mentioned, a thick (1”) plastic cutting board with rubber feet to create space for the resistance bands (4 hockey pucks screwed in at the corners) will suffice. All available on Amazon. There are videos on TH-cam showing the assembly process. Cheers.
@@gwarlowAre we sure that is enough though? It might be, but has an engineer actually calculated it out? I just worry if it snapped during the top of a deadlift (which could easily be 300-600lbs since you can handle more than you can with regular weights due to the force curve), that’d be a disaster.
Thanks for such extensive reviews of all of the equipment price points. I recently bought one of the Rubberbanditz mobile gym setups for travel. First impressions are that I do enjoy the primitive band workout. The big advantage IMO of the X3 footplate and bar are that they give fixed attachment widths for repeatable tension, which I cannot do. I’ll be traveling for almost a month soon, and that will be my first really extended test of the setup, it’s one thing to experiment while you have other options, it’s another to go all in for a month.
Thanks so much for that comment. You're right about having that "fixed attachment" benefit to them.
can you do a 6 months training using only x3 and see if you can increase your muscle mass?
Are you asking if I can do it or if it's possible for someone else? I'd have a hard time committing to that given all the toys I got.
Thank you! 🙏🏽
The bench press with bands look like they would be uncomfortable on your shoulders 🤔 am I wrong?
It's not really a problem with your shoulders but depending on the bar and your preference, some complain about elbow discomfort.
I started out trying cheap knock offs, and even DIY bars foot plates. The cheaper versions worked but the quality difference is so drastic, it's really not worth it. X3 is a great system, but Harambe is the next level in my opinion.
For sure high quality.
I feel like some of these products were designed completely disregarding how they might increase the chance of breaking the bands. The J Bryant bar's hook looks especially horrible with its sharp edges.
Even imagining a heavy band breaking is scary. They look like they could do real damage & cause serious injuries.
Training with bands is very appealing (and I do cautiously use them myself), but I do have some significant safety concerns regarding them.
I would be curious about the experience of others!
The x3 is better because of its use of lighter weight material
How many bodybuilders do band training tried it yrs ago after 40 yrs of lifting weights and shrunk crap
One thing that X3 may have gotten right is them focusing on going to failure and then pushing through partials on the smaller ROM until you can’t move the bar anymore. Recent research seems to say that having tension in the stretched muscle position is important for hypertrophy. So if you just use bands the same as weights, you’ll be putting more force in the shortened position than the stretched. But doing those extra partials probably helps even it out a bit for all the ranges of motion.
My guess is it still isn’t quite as efficient in terms of overall work vs fatigue ratio, but for me it is super convenient and fast to use. If I had to go to a gym, there’s no way I’d get in as much exercise, and don’t have the room for a power rack etc in this condo.
It also seems to be pretty easy on the joints and is also pretty safe if done correctly. If you get stuck at the bottom of squat, you just stop since the weight is gone at the bottom, etc.
I’ve been growing with it, so certainly is possible.
A trip to a home improvement store and minimal handyman skills could easily make something very comparable to the X3. Im completely shocked anyone would pay that much for a steel bar with a couple hooks.
If you don't have the tools or skills call a local metal fabrication facility, they could put something similar together with a couple pics and a simple drawing for a fraction of the cost.
First time i've seen this and will have one put together before tomorrow's workout.
Furthermore I question how a company received a patent on something so basic. I've seen closet systems with similar features..
I've made a few videos to this point, it's really a luxury. Here's video where I get into how a pipe works fine th-cam.com/video/C0_NIbFLmeE/w-d-xo.html
@@hybridresistance Love the channel, you have a lot of helpful and practical advice!
Why not just use resistance bands?
I think I had a video on this, but basically I just prefer the stability and connection with a bar / footplate.
Lol these knockoffs are a hazard, doesn't that a genius to see a threaded bar would snap right in your face when the tension is the closest to your face. The foot plate is the important part to prevent ankle injury if anyone had watched the tedtalk of the x3 bar system creator.
I agree I wouldn't trust these bars long term or with heavy bands.
I have to agree. The bands are already a danger. You have to watch what you doing with almost every movement. Having the equipment Ie. The bar or floor plate snap is complete no go.
Using bands already is an inexpensive way to get a proper workout. Get good solid accessories.
Legit question. Do you really need a bar or can you just use the bands without the bar and get the same results?
You can definetly get benefits using just bands as is, the core argument is that (and there's research behind this) that you exert more force and use motor units using both arms on a fixed bar. But even with general preference, it's a much more enjoyable experience using a bar.
@@hybridresistance thank you so much for the response and the information! I didn't realize that about the fixed bar. I have the J Bryant bar and the Mini wooden board I ordered from you and I genuinely love both but was always curious about the difference, pros/cons, etc. I keep eyeballing the X3 Bar because of your discount code but that's still a lot of money. Anyways, thank you again!
Well nevermind, I broke down and ordered the X3 with your discount code and used the payment plan. Thank you again for everything! 😅
@@Maxible No, definitely thank you for helping to support me and the channel. Let me know if you have any questions and or video ideas regarding the product.
Use a bar and the footplate, watch the tedtalk of the x3 bar system and you will understand why
Love your reviews. We need a jbryant bar in deep review. Short and long versión. Wanna know how much tensión it can take. I'm still deciding which chep bar to buy before invest big money on x3 bar... maybe. I got a 350 lbs band but now i need bar that can handle it.
I do think personally of all the cheap bars that are out there the J bar is the way to go. With that said I wouldn’t expect long term durability, especially considering some of the reviews coming in that are showing what Manny expected would happen where the fabric starts to fade. I personally have had no problems with it, and my nephew still uses it, but people have reported as he saw here in the comments that he can rip through thicker bands. I do think if you’re someone committed to using this sort of style it’s worth investing in a more expensive bar.
Just by a bodylastics set of resistance bands. You don’t need any of these silly accessories. Keep it simple. Get the work done!
Some people just don't prefer tube bands. I like and have reviewed bodylastics, but I've had many BL owners tell me they've switched to loop because it's easier to switch out and go heavier, not having to deal with clipping in tubes.
$500+ is crazy for that.
Not necessarily THAT crazy. If you want really good quality bands that aren’t going to snap on you plus good quality bar, good quality plate, etc. Like I’m sure X3 has decent margins, but it isn’t like it costs $50 to make. The amount of force involved can be pretty enormous so don’t want to play around too too much.
Plus if comparing to regular training, if you’re getting an Olympic bar, bumper plates, power rack, that’s easily thousands of dollars and takes up a lot more room
Amazon sells bands and bars that copy X3 now, just without the footplate.
Yes, that's basically what I was covering in this video. But honestly, the quality is far lower.
@@hybridresistance it is surprising hard to recreate the X3 system for cheaper, I guess it adds up once you put together the individual components with similar quality
@@steverapos3904 You're right. The biggest thing (will all respect to them) is that they have the patent on the hook system with the bar.
X3 is just an over priced metal bar let's be honest here i sent mine back after i compared it to one i also got for 29.99 . Both get the job done the same way . I'd personally tell everyone not to buy the x3 and just go with the cheap bars. Unless your rich and just like wasting money ofcourse 😂😂
Eh, I think it depends on how strong the cheap bar is, how smooth the bearing rotation is under a lot of tension, etc.
Purchased original X3 two and half years ago ... best thing I did for my body, besides going carnivore 4-7 years ago. Forget about cheap things, not even remotely comparable, have them 2 friends. Trash compared to heavy duty X3.
Use free weights..
Even if… after months of good use, just buy another, way better than that hurambe bar rapping ur wallet lol
ffs its a metal bar,you could make one in 5 minutes,makes me laugh you need x5294 speical bar or the super dooper matcho x29007 bar,its a metal pole for idiots who want to spend a bundle of cash
I actually had a video planned showing my basic $15 pipe from HD. You for sure don't need it to take advantage using something like this. But more for the practical functionality (knurling, hooks, possibly aesthetics). Same thing for a DIY barbell / rack vs spending >2k
@@hybridresistanceHow well does that work for something like deadlift though? Doesn’t the lack of bearing mean the band is going to rub or even get caught on the bar as you rotate through the range of motion?
Correction: Don't buy X3, at all.
DO however, Buy Harambe System.
I hope someday Dr.Jaquish will sue this copycat fitness equipment company and even its from Amazon that the are selling Chinese based copycat fitness equipment too that this channel promoting it. The jealousy of these people are crazy! 😂
I think it’s wonderful that somebody can spend 20% of the price of the X3 bar and get exactly the same tools that will give you zero results so that
You waste a fraction of the money that you could have flushed down the toilet so that you can totally void however, much time in days months years that you lose and can never get back while wearing yourself out every day, making zero progress.
Why the hell would it have to be a solid piece all the way across when there’s barely any tension in the center because you can only use it by holding it with two hands near the hooks… 500 pounds of force on the ends would put barely 100 poundsof force in the center. What are you planning on lifting with this tractor trailer?
It doesn’t need to be any stronger to do anything that you or most anybody else is capable of lifting dude.
It doesn’t need to be any stronger to do anything that you or most anybody else is capable of lifting dude.